Vinod M Jain
-Bengaluru generates 2,800 MLD of wastewater daily; this is our future alternative.”
– “IT Parks and Data Centers must switch to recycled water instead of expensive groundwater.”
– “Certification is essential for water treatment plant operators,”says Chairman.
Calling for a significant shift regarding the city’s water security, BWSSB Chairman Dr.V.Ram Prasath Manohar argued that Bengaluru should not consider wastewater merely as waste,but must utilize it as a necessary resource for infrastructure and economic growth.
Speaking at an event organized by WELL Labs and the Bangalore Apartments’ Federation (BAF),he cited nature’s system as an example.”Nature protects life by efficiently circulating water.
We must follow the same model.Integrated planning of Cauvery water, groundwater,treated water,and rainwater—the synergy of these four is essential for the city’s future,” he stated.
*Water is the Foundation of Brand Bengaluru:
Speaking at the event, the Chairman praised the vision of Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.The DCM’s dream of ‘Brand Bengaluru’ is growing at a global level, and water security is the foundation for this development.
Under the DCM’s visionary leadership,we are committed to making Bengaluru self-reliant in water and providing international-standard infrastructure.
Under his guidance, BWSSB is taking revolutionary steps to transform wastewater into a resource,”he said.
The Water Math:
Providing details on the city’s water usage, the Chairman stated, “Bengaluru uses over 3,200 Million Liters (MLD) of water daily, generating approximately 2,800 MLD of wastewater.
Currently, BWSSB treats 2,348 MLD of sewage and reuses 825 MLD. Projects like K.C. Valley and Chikkaballapura (H.N. Valley) stand as witnesses to the success of reused water.”
Groundwater vs.Treated Water:
Arguing that reliance on groundwater is not financially viable, Dr.Manohar opined,”Extracting groundwater is expensive and unstable.In comparison,treated water is easily available.
IT Parks, Data Centers,and the construction sector must abandon their reliance on groundwater and switch to treated water.Policy regulations will also be complementary to this shift.”
Quality and Certification:
Appreciating the role of the Bangalore Apartments’ Federation (BAF) in ensuring water security for apartment residents,the Chairman emphasized quality.
“Decentralized water treatment must grow from being just a regulatory compliance to a city-level resource. For this,quality maintenance of treatment plants and certification for operators is essential.
This will help build confidence in the market regarding treated water,” he said.
He concluded by calling for the challenges of water security to be utilized as opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
